Podberesky, Hopwood, and Adarand: Implications for the Future of Race-Based Programs

Three recent decisions requiring strict scrutiny of race-based programs put the future of racially preferential "affirmative action" programs in doubt. In Podberesky, the Fourth Circuit disallowed race-based scholarship programs. In Hopwood, the Fifth Circuit rejected diversity and held that remedying past discrimination (narrowly defined) was the sole justification for race-based admissions. In Adarand, the Supreme Court required strict scrutiny of federal as well as state race-based programs.